Creating A Unique Outdoor Space

Gazing at a spit of land where a pond meets a forest and the first flushes of spring are signalling their arrival is one of those magical moments that only comes around once in a lifetime. And when you’re fortunate enough to find this oasis tucked away in the middle of a city or town, it becomes that much more special. 

Whether you’re looking for an isolated spot to enjoy nature, or if you have a yard that can accommodate such a space, gazebos are an excellent option. The sheltered nature of gazebos makes them ideal for children as well; after all, it’s never too early to introduce them to nature. 

Gazebos are versatile structures that can be used for so many different purposes. Whether it’s a place to hang out with your friends or host a barbecue with your family, there are tons of ways gazebos can be put to use. 

Whether you own one or have plans for one in the future, your gazebo will look better as an accent piece of your backyard. We have some great decorating tips that will help you achieve this goal. Read on for nine ideas on how you can spruce up your gazebo and make it the centrepiece of your yard.

What is a Gazebo?

Simply put, a gazebo is a shelter that is usually built on the ground for outdoor use. Made out of wood, metal, or plastic, gazebos can be built from a very basic level up to extremely high-end models that are built to withstand the elements. 

While they are most often used as a place to have outdoor gatherings or rest under the sun, they can be used for a variety of other purposes too. What’s more, they can be built in a variety of different styles and designs, meaning that there is a gazebo for everyone.

Types of Gazebos

Awning Gazebos – These types of gazebos usually have a simple, single-sided awning that allows for some shade from the sun. They are ideal for small spaces and can be quickly erected with just a few pieces of wood and rope. 

Pergola Gazebos – These are the larger gazebos that offer more shade, privacy, and protection from rain and snow. Pergolas are usually built with a lattice design that allows for a lot of natural light to come in but keeps out most of the rain. They are super beautiful and make for great locations for social gatherings, parties, or wedding ceremonies. 

French Gazebos – These gazebos are characterized by their arched rooflines and are often found in gardens or parks. While most people associate French gazebos with weddings, they are also an excellent option for families who want to retreat to a tranquil oasis.

9 ideas on how you can spruce up your Gazebo

1. Add colour

Choosing your gazebo’s colour can change everything. A bold, bright colour can help add some life to your gazebo and make it feel more like part of the outdoor space. This is especially true if your gazebo is an indoor-only space. 

Adding some colour to your gazebo can change the entire feel of the space and make it seem more welcoming. For a bold look try painting your gazebo a bright colour like orange or a vibrant shade of purple. These bold colours can help your gazebo stand out from the rest of the yard and make it feel more like an outdoor space instead of just an indoor one. 

But, if you’re looking for a more subtle change try painting your gazebo a calm colour like grey or blue. These colours are great for changing the mood of the space and making it feel more inviting. 

For a final touch of colour add a splash of flower pots inside your gazebo. This will provide a pop of colour and make your gazebo feel even more like an outdoor space.

2. Create contrast

Contrasting textures and materials can be great ways to create a sense of contrast in your outdoor space. This can help make a bland gazebo seem more vibrant and give it a more polished look. 

Contrasting colours, materials, or patterns can create depth and highlight the structure’s design. For example, you can use a grey gazebo with a turquoise roof and a warm orange door to create contrast. This will visually increase the gazebo’s size and draw more attention to it. 

Contrasting colours can also be used to create a sense of chaos, which can make your gazebo seem more playful. For example, you can paint your gazebo bright colours like yellow or red and use an assortment of random decorations to create a more disorganized look. This will make your gazebo seem more youthful and fun and encourage guests to come and enjoy themselves more.

3. Change the light source

Changing the light source can drastically change the look of your gazebo. For example, you can use a lamp with a warm, yellowish tone to create a more natural look, or you can install a chandelier or overhead light with a cold, bluish tone to create a more modern look. 

Changing the light source will also change the mood of your gazebo. This can be beneficial for both parties and for relaxing in the gazebo on warm summer evenings. On the other hand, it can also be useful for creating a more intimate atmosphere during romantic get-togethers in the winter.

4. Add a focal point

Adding a focal point to your gazebo is another great way to decorate it and make it unique. A focal point can be anything from an artwork hanging in the gazebo to a table in the middle of it. 

Adding a focal point to your gazebo can do a few things. It can draw your attention to the structure, making it the centre of attention. It can also add symmetry to the space. 

By placing a focal point in the middle of your gazebo you can create symmetry between the structure and focal point, which can make the gazebo feel more balanced. Focal points can also add depth to your gazebo. For example, a painting hung on the wall of your gazebo can appear as though it’s hanging in space, giving it a three-dimensional feel.

5. Install hanging greenery

If you have a small gazebo that doesn’t have much space for outdoor plants then hanging greenery like the hanging planter is a great idea. It will allow you to add greenery to your gazebo without taking up too much space. 

This hanging planter features a compostable bag that you can fill with soil and plants. You can easily refill the bag whenever it’s necessary by simply rinsing it out and refilling it with fresh soil. Hanging greenery like this is a great way to add a pop of colour and greenery to a small gazebo. You could also try hanging lanterns or fairy lights for additional ambience.

6. Use textured materials

Textured materials such as stone, brick, and wood are another great way to decorate your gazebo. You can use these materials to create a more rustic look or a more modern one. 

There are a variety of materials out there to choose from, so it’s important to pick the ones that best fit your gazebo. It’s also important to pick materials that are aesthetically pleasing and don’t clash with your structure’s design. 

For example, if your gazebo is painted a neutral colour then picking a stone material that is too vibrant will make your gazebo appear messy and unbalanced. It’s also important to pick materials that are easy to maintain. You don’t want to pick materials that require a lot of maintenance or are costly to replace.

7. Install an outdoor rug

Adding a rug to your gazebo floor can create a nice, soft and cushy area to lounge on. You can choose from a variety of different styles, colours, and patterns, allowing you to create a unique decorating vibe for your gazebo. 

Rugs can also help to change the surface upon which you sit, making it a little more comfortable. When choosing a rug for your gazebo, make sure that it’s small enough to fit inside the space. You can also choose to use an indoor rug on the floor of your gazebo, which can help to make it feel more homey and comfortable.

8. Upcycle an old piece of furniture

If you’re looking to add some additional flair to your gazebo then you can try painting an old piece of furniture that you have laying around. You can choose to paint a piece of patio furniture, a piece of garden furniture, or even a wooden bench. 

Painting furniture that you have lying around can help to spruce up your space and make it look more appealing. Painting furniture can be a great option for decorating a gazebo that lacks space or that is small. You can paint your furniture to match the gazebo’s decorating theme.

9. Add trellises and flowers

A gazebo can be a great space for growing and cultivating flowers. You can add trellises to grow climbing vines, or you can create a hanging basket with a variety of flowers. A gazebo is a great space for flowers because it offers plenty of sunshine, so they will thrive. In many cases, you can simply add trellises to the inside of your gazebo or the outside of the structure. You can position the trellises in a way that creates an arboretum effect. This will look great when combined with other garden elements.

Creating the perfect space in your backyard

Gazebos are one of the best types of outdoor living spaces. With minimal construction, they let you enjoy the outdoors while protecting yourself from the elements. 

Decorating it can be a lot of fun and help to give your outdoor space a much-needed makeover. There are many different ways to decorate your gazebo, from painting to textured materials, and you can use any of these decorating tips to make your gazebo the centrepiece of your backyard. If you want to add a little pizzazz to your gazebo, then these decorating tips will help you to do just that!